Hi guys, newbie here about to pull the trigger on a 2002 high mileage cab, PPI to be done this week. Tires will be needed if I decide to buy, looking for the best combination of wear and performance for street use only. The shop I usually buy tires from has recommended Yokohama Advan S.4, all season high performance, any experience with these tires or other recommendations? Car has the 17 inch wheels if that makes a difference. Thanks in advance!

 

There are lots of good tire choices out there. Some people will argue that you should always go with a Porsche-approved N-spec tire. Some will argue that it is a waste of money. I've used both. I've tried "bargain" tires like Sumitomo and Hankook, as well as premium N-spec tires like Pirelli or Michelin.

For me personally and for the way I use my car, I've never found a tire that I like better than the N-spec Michelin Pilot Sport PS2. It provides the best handling, best ride and quietest performance of any tire I've ever used on my 996. Unfortunately, they are probably the most expensive tire option for the 996. For my C4S with 18" wheels, a set is roughly $1,600. For your car with 17" wheels, it won't be as bad.

I have heard wonderful things about the new Michelin Pilot Super Sports. They supposedly offer better performance and tread life than the PS2 at a lower price point. If they are available in your required sizes, then I think you should consider them.

My last recommendation is that you avoid all-season tires (aka no-season tires). These tires are moderately capable in most conditions, but they won't excel in any conditions. They force you to compromise in all conditions. Your new Porsche is a performance vehicle and should be equipped with performance tires. If you plan to drive it in winter conditions, then you should buy a dedicated set of winter wheels and tires.

Good luck!

 

Thanks Dennis. I really appreciate the advice, I had my doubts about all-season too.

 

Plenty of people run all-seasons and the compromise doesn't bother them. For me personally it just doesn't make sense. I put my winters on around mid-October and leave them on until mid-May.

You'll find that a 996 with proper winter tires will perform very well in winter conditions. The weight of the engine over the drive wheels really helps. A C2 can be very good in the snow. The only problem for the 996 in snow is ground clearance, so deep snow is difficult.

 

I'm running Kumho and like them quite a lot.

 

I'm running the hankook ventus V12. I've had them for just under a year and i do solid spirited driving. In Canada I think I paid somewhere around 9 and change installed and I'm very happy. They're definitely a respectable tire on a porsche.
If your plan is to enjoy the cab get a good set of summer performance. Get the ps2's if you've got extra cash laying around.

 

Hankook Ventus V12. Best of the cheapies.

 

Thanks for the info. I did a quick price comparison, about $900.00 for the Hankook and $1138.00 for the Michelin PS2. Worth the difference??

 

Hankook = $432.00 at tire rack for 205/50/17 and 255/40/17

 

Thanks for the info. In Canada we have www.1010tires.com, cost is $632.00. Wish we have Tire Rack up here, but much cheaper than Canadian Tire.

 

Please give me a call if I can help!

 

just order them from Damon, they ship all over.

 

Most tires these days are built to suck standards that there is little difference amongst them. Look for the best deal.

 

I ran the Ventus V12 for about 15k miles and 15 track days last year. They are a good solid tire for the street and are descent on the track. They would have lasted much longer if not for the negative camber I was running. IMO they are a good beginner track tire if you're interested in HPDEs (they give you good communication). The only bad thing I would have to say is that they develop flat spots very easily. I usually drive my car about every other weekend and it felt like driving on rumble strips for the first 15 minutes. After that they were fine. Hope this helps...good luck with your search.

-Danny C.

 

I like the Hankook's as well and there was always a good deal at Discount Tire. Checked their website last week
and they don't carry them anymore.